Numismatic

1917 Standing Liberty Quarter Type I AU

---

The year 1917 marked a significant moment of transition for United States coinage, particularly visible in the Standing Liberty quarter series. This specific silver piece represents the Type I design, which was only produced for a brief window before modifications were made to the imagery. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing approximately 0.17875 troy ounces of the precious metal. On the obverse, Liberty is depicted in a powerful stance, stepping forward through an opening in a wall or gate. In one hand, she extends an olive branch as a symbol of peace, while her other arm supports a shield. The inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the date "1917" are clearly visible on this side. This original Type I rendition captures the initial artistic vision of sculptor Hermon MacNeil before the design was revised later in the year. The reverse of the coin showcases an elegant eagle soaring through the air. Surrounding the majestic bird are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the traditional Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM". With a total mintage of 8,740,000, this coin survives today as a fascinating artifact of early twentieth-century American coinage, preserved in Almost Uncirculated condition.